INTERVIEW: PETER CLUSKEYtalks to Carol Flynn, Founder and MD of Nanny Solutions
IT’S A sign of the tough economic times that families who 12 months ago might have been hiring their own nannies are now opting instead for nanny-sharing – dividing the cost of their children’s dedicated “Mary Poppins” with neighbours or friends.
“Nanny-sharing is certainly an area we’re finding more demand for and expanding this year because of the way the economy has gone,” says Carol Flynn (34), founder and managing director of Nanny Solutions, which she set up almost seven years ago.
“Two families with one child or baby each can bring them together in one of the homes and employ the nanny between them – which means that instead of paying a whole salary of €550 to €580 a week, each family pays only half.
“It works out just slightly more expensive than a creche, but it still means that parents can have their children looked after in familiar surroundings, and they’re getting the kind of focused, expert attention that’s so essential in their early years.”
If nanny-sharing seems like a pretty innovative approach to the changing economic circumstances in which even well-heeled families are finding themselves, that’s probably because Flynn is a fourth-generation entrepreneur.
In fact, Nanny Solutions operates out of the very Georgian premises on Ormond Quay in Dublin that her great-grandmother, Teresa Balfe, bought in the 1920s to set up Balfe’s Auction Rooms. “Business is certainly in our blood, and our family has a long history in this building, so I suppose that although I qualified as a Montessori teacher and worked as a Montessori tutor, it was natural that I’d go into business.”
Flynn set up Nanny Solutions in 2002, and says the company’s typical clients are a professional couple, both working, with two or more children, who want someone reliable to take care of the children – and take at least some of the stress out of their day.
“The nannies generally live out, and work from 8am to 6pm, giving the parents time to be with their children in the evenings and at weekends.
“They always have a minimum of two or three years’ experience, with a childcare or Montessori qualification or a BA in Early Childhood Care and Education, so they’ve already worked either in a creche or as a nanny.
“They’re very organised, so they’ll plan for the week ahead. Most are drivers, so they’ll build in things like swimming lessons, time to do the children’s washing and ironing and make their meals – but the priority is always going to be the children themselves.
“We constantly stress that our nannies are not general housekeepers. They do nanny duties and what we call ‘nursery duties’. But the key thing is that they’re people who relate to children, so you can see them bond immediately.”
Flynn also stresses that Nanny Solutions – which also provides night nurses for new-born babies and a sleep-training service in the first weeks – is not simply an agency which introduces the families to their nannies and leaves them to their own devices.
“We talk to the parents by phone to make sure everything is okay once the nanny has been placed. And I’ll pay a visit to see the nanny and the children in the home environment. It’s about delivering a personal service – getting to know both the parents and the nannies.
“And of course, before that, each candidate completes a Garda vetting form and we always check references thoroughly. We’re very much aware that peace of mind is hugely important for parents. We want them to have absolute confidence in us – and in our business.”
ON THE RECORD
Name:Carol Flynn.
Company:Nanny Solutions
www.nannysolutions.com
Job:Founder and MD.
Age:34.
Background:Qualified as a Montessori teacher in 1993, she has also lectured and tutored childcare students in a number of Dublin colleges. With 14 years' experience in the world of children and recruitment, in Ireland and briefly in Australia, she set up Nanny Solutions in 2002. The company now places 250 nannies a year.
Challenges:"Nowadays the daily challenge is to adapt our business to match the changing circumstances of families, without compromising on quality."
Inspired by:"All of my family really, dating back to my great- grandmother, Teresa Balfe, who bought our premises on Ormond Quay back in the 1920s and set up Balfe's Auction Rooms.
“But particularly my dad, William Flynn, who’s a fine art consultant. I’m lucky enough to have inherited his people skills and his passion for always providing the best service possible.”
Most important thing learned so far:"Never make the same mistake twice."
